Let’s be honest: the anxiety of attending the state’s large colleges might be real. Not many people will be comfortable with it, especially if you’re more into smaller class sizes and more one-to-one interaction with the faculty. This is when students look out for the best small colleges in the US. However, too many options usually confuse them. Feeling the same?

Don’t worry; we’ve done all the research for you. This curated list of small colleges will help you set the stage for your future.  

Best Small Colleges in the US 

Fortunately, the US has numerous small colleges that offer everything you’re possibly looking for. However, it’s crucial to research beforehand to go with the option that complements your career and growth goals. 

Here’s a list of the best small colleges in the US and their key features to help ease your decision-making process: 

California Institute of Technology

California Institute of Technology, more commonly known as Caltech, is a highly renowned institute in California, spanning over 124 acres. It’s the go-to college for those seeking small colleges, mainly due to its 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio. More so, it’s one of the world’s top research universities, with 46 Nobel Laureates alumni. 

However, a 3% acceptance rate indicates that you might need to be strongly competitive to be a part of Caltech. 

• Location: Pasadena, CA
• Tuition fee: $60,816 
• Financial aid: Yes
• Student to faculty ratio: 3:1
• Acceptance Rate: 3%
• Graduation Rate: 81% 
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Harvey Mudd College 

Harvey Mudd is another elite college in California that offers programs in science and engineering. It features smaller classes, highly proficient professors, and one-of-a-kind research opportunities. 

With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Harvey Mudd is also favorable for those seeking nearly one-to-one teaching sessions. However, its tuition fees lie on the expensive side. 

• Location: Claremont, CA
• Tuition fee: $65,954 
• Financial aid: Yes
• Student to faculty ratio: 9:1
• Acceptance Rate: 13%
• Graduation Rate: 88%
• Accreditation: WASC

Pomona College 

Pomona College, located 35 miles outside Los Angeles, is a private, not-for-profit university known for its extraordinary campus life. The beautiful campus also features ample clubs, so if you’re looking for small colleges with opportunities to socialize, Pomona College is the institute to go to. 

Pomona College offers 48 majors, the highest on the whole list. It means you have diverse program offerings while enjoying an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. However, the 7% acceptance rate shows that the admission criterion here is super taxing.  

• Location: Claremont, CA
• Tuition fee: $61,906 
• Financial aid: Yes
• Student to teacher ratio: 8:1
• Graduation Rate: 94%
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges 

Amherst College 

Another high-ranking small college in the US is Amherst College, offering 85% of classes with fewer than 30 pupils. With 41 majors, 850 courses, and 6000-plus courses through Five College Consortium, Amherst College can be a top pick for many. 

However, with a tuition fee of $66,650, Amherst College is the most expensive option on our list. 

• Location: Amherst, Massachusetts 
• Tuition fee: $66,650 
• Financial aid: Yes
• Student-faculty ratio: 7:1
• Graduation Rate: 85% 
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Soka University of America

Soka University of America is a private liberal arts college located in California. The student enrollment is around 400, and all of them achieve a degree in liberal arts ranging from humanities to life sciences. All students are required to join on-campus, with a few exceptions upon request. 

One of the drawbacks of this college is the lack of diversity in programs offered, which in turn limits the number of students applying. 

• Location: Aliso Viejo, CA 
• Tuition fee: $34,382 
• Student to teacher ratio: 7:1
• Financial aid: Yes
• Graduation Rate: 85% 
• Acceptance Rate: 57%
• Accreditation: WSCUC

Davidson College 

Davidson College is one of the best small colleges in America, offering liberal arts. Offering courses ranging from political science to Biology and Neuroscience, it’s a great institute for boosting practical knowledge.

One of Davidson College’s key advantages is its generous scholarships to its students. Almost 64% of the students are eligible for institutional grants. Despite all the positives, Davidson College has a relatively low acceptance rate of 18%, which makes it difficult to secure a spot here. 

• Location: Davidson, NC
• Tuition fee: $63,580 
• Financial aid: Yes
• Student to faculty ratio: 9:1
• Acceptance Rate: 17% 
• Graduation Rate: 88%
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Bowdoin College 

Bowdoin College is yet another top college in the US specializing in liberal arts. One of their hallmarks is their alumni, which include Reed Hastings, the CEO of Netflix, and DeRay Mckesson, the leading voice in the Black Lives Matter movement. Such a strong alumni network speaks volumes about the credibility of Bowdoin College. 

However, a 9% acceptance rate makes it way more competitive than Davidson College and many others on the list. 

• Location: Brunswick, Maine
• Tuition fee: $64,304 
• Financial aid availability: Yes
• Student to teacher ratio: 9:1
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Graduation Rate: 95% 
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Sweet Briar College 

Sweet Briar College, a school located in Virginia, gets its name from a flower that grew in the founder’s estate. It is a private college for female students only. It has the facility of around 20 clubs, which makes it easy for students to socialize and maintain a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. 

Its tuition fee is only $23,730, which is way lower than the national average of $45,713. Nevertheless, being limited to female students eliminates gender diversity in the college. 

• Location: Sweet Briar, Virginia 
• Tuition fee: $23,730 
• Financial aid availability: Yes
• Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• Graduation Rate: 60%
• Accreditation: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

Carleton College 

Carleton College is located in Northfield, Minnesota, and offers around 30 majors. The students at Carleton can choose from various areas of study and go with the one that best suits their interests. 

They enroll around 522 students and have an acceptance rate of 17%. However, the SAT score range lies between 1360 and 1530, which can be quite tough to score. 

• Location: Northfield, Minnesota
• Tuition fee: $65,043
• Financial aid availability: Yes
• Student to teacher ratio: 9:1
• Acceptance Rate: 17%
• Graduation Rate: 88%
• Accreditation: HLC

Alaska Pacific University

The final one on our list is Alaska Pacific University, which has the lowest tuition fee of just $16,000. The university offers diverse courses, including MBA programs, environmental sciences, outdoor studies, pre-nursing, and sustainability studies.  

Fortunately, the university has the highest acceptance rate of 96% on the list. The students of Alaska Pacific University have walking tracks and an open area where they can bike in their leisure time.

• Location: Anchorage, Alaska
• Tuition fee: $16,000
• Financial aid: Yes
• Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
• Acceptance Rate: 96%
• Graduation Rate: 17%
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Factors to Consider When Choosing a College in the US 

When choosing the best small colleges in the US, one size never fits all. Pretty much like campuses, different candidates may have their own preferences. Here’s a rundown of the key factors to consider before choosing which school to attend: 

Location 

Consider the location of the college you’re looking to attend. How close is it to your apartment or off-campus housing? Is travel time a pain and terrible during certain hours? The answers to these questions can help you decide on the location of your college. 

Moreover, evaluate whether you’re more comfortable with urban, suburban, or rural settings. These factors might guide your decision the best. For instance, Soka University of America only accepts on-campus students, while most other options on the list welcome both on–campus and off-campus students. 

Campus Life

When picking a college in the US, think about campus life. Do you prefer a smaller community or big crowds? If you’re here, chances are you like small classes where you can connect with professors. Check if your dream college matches your vibe and lifestyle.

Fee 

When searching for colleges across the US, the fee is a pretty important factor to look into beforehand. Don’t confuse small colleges for charging less. Most of the time, you may need to pay amounts equivalent to larger universities. 

For instance, Amherst College charges a $66,650 tuition fee. On the other hand, Alaska Pacific University has a tuition fee of a mere $16,000. 

Study-to-Faculty Ratio 

Most candidates go to small colleges because of their low student-to-faculty ratio. This allows greater interaction with professors, more one-to-one sessions, and a better-personalized learning experience. For instance, Caltech’s 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio makes it a top choice for many. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Opting For a Small College the Right Choice For You? 

When choosing a small college, various factors come into play. You might wish to get in because of close-knit communities, smaller class sizes, deeper relationships with professors, or perhaps even a customized academic journey. Hence, your decision depends on your preferences. 

What Are the Disadvantages of a Small College? 

While smaller colleges may be more appealing, they can have some disadvantages. For instance, opting for a small college could mean limited access to networking opportunities, fewer program options, and limited extracurricular activities. 

How Do You Apply for the Best Small Colleges in the US?

To apply for small colleges in the US, follow a step-by-step procedure. Do your research, check admission requirements, visit the campus, and ensure you fit their criteria. 

Conclusion 

Now that we’ve listed the best small colleges in the US, it’s time to make your decision. While you’re at it, prioritize your interests and goals. Also, consider financial factors such as low tuition fees and aid to simplify decision-making.